PORTSMOUTH -- The head of Strawbery Banke Museum in Portsmouth gave a detailed presentation Monday to the Portsmouth City Council and the public who attended the council meeting.

Museum President and CEO Lawrence J. Yerdon shared his vision for a $300,000 temporary outdoor rink, calling the proposed Puddle Dock Pond at Strawbery Bank a “community asset” and promised to work with concerned South End neighbors to address any issues they may have about a public skating rink in their neighborhood.

Portsmouth Mayor Eric Spear called the proposal “very exciting.” His enthusiasm was echoed by most others who spoke during the public comment period.

Bryce Morales, 11, who lives near Strawbery Banke Museum, took to the microphone and told the large group that he is thrilled with the idea of taking skating lessons after school and being able to enjoy the out-of-doors with his friends during the free skating periods that will be offered at the rink.

“It would be fun and the rink could also attract more tourists to the area in the winter,” said Morales.

While a few residents raised concerns about the potential for disruption to their neighborhood, the majority spoke in favor of the idea of a rink nestled in between the buildings at Strawbery Banke that would operate for three months in the winter.

A chiller would guarantee that there would be quality ice conditions. The plan also allows for the non-profit Ice Theatre of New York to perform three times during the season. The figure skating production company is well known for encouraging its skating stars to engage and skate with the children who attend the shows.

After a lengthy public comment period, the City Council gave City Manager John Bohenko the authority to continue discussions with Strawbery Banke Museum about ways the city might collaborate on the project.

Strawbery Banke Museum is not looking for any public money to fund the project.

Efforts are under way to secure business sponsors to underwrite the capital costs. Yerdon says he is confident that the money will be raised because of the level of enthusiasm for a public skating venue in the city. He emphasized the project will only move forward if the fundraising committee is successful, so as not to put the museum at financial risk.